NuBenz

Just the latest thorn in my side... I took the car for a spin and noticed that the "magazine" icon was not present on the audio screen. I pushed the button to open the changer door and all of the LEDs are out!

The changer has no power and is not recognized by the main head unit. It's holding my 6 CDs PRISONER!!!

Just another reason for MB to buy my car back. I can't wait for my '04 to get here (fingers and toes all crossed to the max)!

Anyone else have a similar problem? This quality control service visit stuff is getting sooooo old...

marc777

I lost all power to the CD and every other button on that part fo the dashboard - central locking, ESP, hazard warning lights etc.

Took 2 weeks for UK dealer to get the part.

Having said that my CDs are changed on the dash, and it looks as if you may have a trunk mounted changer?

Marc

cte430

A week before I was to get my NAV car the same thing happened to me. I told the dealer just to get the CD's out and I wouldn't use it again since the new car was due in any day. They said that the CD player would have had to been replaced. The lack of quality really is something to behold. It's gotten to the point when I get in the car and everything works fine I feel like "wow, what a great car"! But then I realize that most cars perform its basic functions, drive straight, etc. without problems.

NuBenz

It's the in dash 6 CD changer from the factory. They sure as heck better be able to save my CDs!

NuBenz

That's exactly how I feel. The problems have been such a headache, however, the complete package is unbeatable as far as a mix of style, comfort, luxury and sport all rolled into one.

That's why I'm still sticking with the '04.

konigstiger

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=52549

johnroden

I had the same problem with the CD changer several months ago. I located fuse #6 in the F34 fuse box (the one on the left side of the dashboard) , took the fuse out, crimped the fuseholder together, reinserted the fuse and the CD changer worked. This happened to me twice. I took it into the service department at the dealer and they said it was because I was using CDs I had burned myself.

I don't believe them but it hasn't happened since.

Double Eagle

My CD player hasn't failed in either of my E-500's and I use CD's I burn myself most of the time. Your dealer is making an excuse and avoiding solving the real problem.

nyca

i really believe all of these electronics are cheaply made these days. MB isn't making their own CD players, they are likely buying them on the open market, and its all made in china stuff now.

marksatex

Mine died today as well.... Service said they probably will have to replace the unit, sending mine back to the factory to retrieve my CD'S ! For $65K ? I am pissed.

NuBenz

I'm looking at the fuse box. Can you help me find #6? I don't see a #6 or F34 position marker...

TIA

nyca

what happened here, did some lower bound on the MTBF for that unit all hit you guys at once?

johnroden

Nubenz,

The F34 refers to what the elearning site calls the fuse box. Here is the URL for the site. The cover of the fuse box identifies which fuse is for which function. I believe the CD is fuse 6. Work with whatever fuse the chart identifies. After you play with the fuse, turn on the ignition and try the cd changer before you close the hatch on the fusebox. You may have to jiggle it once or twice.

http://www.mbusalearning.com/w211ele...tion/pg25.htm#

marksatex

Pulled fuse #6 several times- no avail. Maybe the entire electronics needs a re-boot ? I give up. I will wait till the next (04) get here. If that one has this rate of failure I will be looking elsewhere next car.

This kind of crap will get me to be negative on a survey.

johnroden

My failure may have been specific to my car and not a general issue. When someone figures out this issue, please post the solution.

NuBenz

johnroden and marksatex...

Here's the deal. First of all, I was looking at the wrong fuse box! There are 3 fuse boxes: one on the driver's side in the engine bay, one in the left rear portion of the trunk, and one on the inside edge of the left portion of the dash. Meaning, between the driver's side door and the instrument panel.

Here's what you need to do with the ignition OFF:

1. The dash fuse box panel has a little indentation on it for insertion of a screw driver. There are 2 clips holding the panel in place, one above the indentation and one below the indentation about 1 inch inside the leading edge of the panel. Pry carefully... mine wouldn't budge, and the little metal clip on the plastic popped off and I had to go fish it out by removing the fuse box which was held in place by 2 torx bolts (EZ fix).

2. Once the panel is off, locate the fuse diagram folded up within the fuse box.

3. Read the fuse chart. Mine said, "F026 = CD Changer".

4. I located fuse F026, removed it, inspected it to make sure it wasn't blown, then cleaned the contacts and popped it back in place.

5. Restarted the ignition and SHAZAM!!! The CD changer was up and running, just like new...

6. After confirming CD changer operation, put the fuse diagram back in place and reinstall the fuse box panel.

Why did this happen? Who knows... johnroden, thanks for the advice and tips!

marksatex

I had to remove the front (F026) and fuse in the trunk to get my system to re-boot. Works now ! Thanks folks !

johnroden

Marksatex & NuBenz,

Thanks for confirming the fix. I'm glad to know that I wasn't crazy. We should share this with our respective Service Managers.

I suspect that vibration or a bad install has loosened the contacts.

marksatex

I shared our "secret" fix with the GM at my dealer- he said he suspects that MB has hired a few renegade engineers from MS to program the wiring and to organize the option package availability.

johnroden

Marksatex,

If your GM were correct, our cars would stop and reboot every 5 miles.

marksatex

LOL !!!